The Boss Maresca Labels Pre-Match Time as The 'Toughest Two Days' at the Club

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca stated that the build-up to the weekend's triumph against Everton was "the toughest 48 hours" since his arrival with the London club.

The 44-year-old made a rather mysterious message in his after-game press conference even after earning a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge thanks to strikes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those points sent Chelsea once again into the Premier League's top four, potentially improving the atmosphere after a loss to Atalanta in the Champions League that had stretched the team's winless run to consecutive matches.

Yet, when asked about Gusto's contribution and overall performance, Maresca unexpectedly divulged his frustration over the previous two days at the club.

"How the squad want to improve has been superb and this is the reason why I applaud them - because with a host of issues, they are performing admirably after a difficult week," he commented.

"From the moment I arrived at the club, the past 48 hours have been the toughest because several people didn't support us."

When pushed further on his meaning, the ex- Leicester City manager added: "Worst 48 hours since I came to the club because people didn't support me and the team."

When questioned if he meant people internally at Chelsea, he answered: "Broadly speaking. In general," before clarifying when asked if it was directed towards fans or the press: "I love the fans and we are very happy with the fans."

Injury and Suspension Crisis

Maresca also highlighted Chelsea's ongoing fitness and disciplinary problems, remarking they had been missing key forward Cole Palmer for a large portion of the campaign, in addition to losing linchpin Moises Caicedo to a three-match ban and forward Liam Delap to two serious injuries.

"I truly commend the players and the squad because we have played 16 Premier League games, five of them minus Moises Caicedo, 11 of them minus Cole Palmer, almost all of them without Liam Delap," he said.

"And this squad, regardless of who is on the pitch, they are performing exceptionally. Today was 5 games in 12 days so for sure when you see Cole Palmer there, we have said many times that he's our top player but we play the vast majority of the season without our top player.

"We play 5 games in the Premier League minus Moises Caicedo. This is the reason why I'm so happy for the players and it's something that I would want people externally to recognize because the commitment from the players is outstanding."

Chelsea's triumph over Everton strengthened their standing in 4th place in the Premier League table, with a Carabao Cup last-eight tie at Cardiff and a league trip to Newcastle to come next week.

Uncertainty Over Maresca's Remark

It was not immediately clear what exactly caused Maresca to describe the previous 48 hours as the most difficult of his tenure as Chelsea manager.

In that timeframe, the Italian had traveled back with his staff and players from his native Italy, held a session at the training ground, faced a pre-match press briefing where he appeared relaxed, and secured a win over an high-flying Everton side.

It was unclear whether any specific media reports had unsettled him, if social media comments played a role, or if it was something more significant from inside the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca only sought to deny that it was an matter related to the club's fans, some of whom have still have yet to fully warm to him since his appointment from Leicester during July last year.